Winter Plumbing Safety Tips for Families in Western New York
Protect your Home and Loved Ones this Winter with Gideon’s Plumbing
When the snow starts piling up in Buffalo, families across Western New York settle in for cozy nights, hot chocolate, and movie marathons. But before you get too comfortable, remember that winter can bring hidden plumbing dangers that affect the safety and comfort of your home. Frozen pipes, hot water hazards, and water leaks can quickly turn a relaxing night into a plumbing emergency.
At Gideon’s Plumbing, we’re dedicated to helping families in Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, and Hamburg stay safe and comfortable all season long. With excellent service, reliable repairs, and quality new installs, we make sure your plumbing system can handle everything winter brings.
Here are some essential winter plumbing safety tips for families to help you protect both your home and your loved ones.
1. Teach Everyone About the Main Shut-Off Valve
In the middle of a burst pipe or leak, quick action can prevent major water damage. Make sure every adult (and responsible teen) in your household knows where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to turn it off.
If your shut-off valve is difficult to reach, Gideon’s Plumbing can install an accessible lever or even an automatic shut-off system for extra safety, perfect for busy families who want added peace of mind.
2. Protect Pipes from Freezing
Pipes that freeze and burst are among the most common winter emergencies in Buffalo and Hamburg. Keep your home’s temperature consistent, even at night, and open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate.
If you’re leaving home for vacation or visiting family, never turn the heat off completely. Set your thermostat to at least 55°F. A small drip from a faucet on bitterly cold nights can also keep water moving and prevent freezing.
3. Keep Water Heater Temperatures Safe for Kids
During winter, your water heater works overtime. To protect children from burns, make sure your water heater is set no higher than 120°F. This prevents scalding and helps conserve energy at the same time.
If your water heater struggles to maintain a consistent temperature, it may be time for repairs or a new install. The experts at Gideon’s Plumbing can inspect, maintain, or replace your system safely and efficiently.
4. Prevent Slippery Floors and Leaks
When snow and ice melt off boots and coats, they can mix with condensation from cold pipes or small leaks, creating slippery surfaces around sinks, basements, and laundry areas. This can be especially dangerous for families with children or older relatives.
Place non-slip mats near plumbing fixtures and regularly check for leaks under sinks and around washing machines. Our Amherst and Orchard Park plumbing team can repair leaks quickly before they cause damage or safety hazards.
5. Keep Utility Areas Child-Safe
Basements and utility rooms often contain plumbing systems, sump pumps, and water heaters. These are all essential, but potentially hazardous for curious kids. Keep these areas well-lit, clutter-free, and secured with baby gates if necessary.
If you notice exposed pipes or uninsulated lines within reach of children, Gideon’s Plumbing can install pipe insulation or protective coverings to reduce burn or injury risks.
6. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
When dealing with a clogged sink or tub, many families reach for chemical drain cleaners, but these can leave behind harmful fumes and residue that are unsafe for kids and pets. Instead, use a drain snake or call Gideon’s Plumbing for professional, family-safe drain cleaning.
We use methods that are effective without exposing your household to harsh chemicals or fumes.
7. Be Prepared for Power Outages
In Western New York, heavy snow and ice can knock out power. If you have a sump pump, consider installing a battery backup system to prevent flooding during outages. Families can also benefit from learning how to manually operate shut-off valves in case automatic systems lose power.
Our Gideon’s Plumbing team offers new installs for sump pump backups and other winter-ready upgrades to keep your home safe during storms.
Keep Your Family Safe and Cozy All Winter Long
Winter safety is about more than staying warm. It’s about protecting your family and your home from unexpected plumbing emergencies. From frozen pipe prevention to water heater maintenance, Gideon’s Plumbing provides excellent service, trustworthy repairs, and expert new installs for families throughout Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, and Hamburg.
Your family’s comfort and safety matter to us.
Call Gideon’s Plumbing today to schedule your winter plumbing inspection or maintenance service. Let us help you keep your home safe, warm, and worry-free all season long.